Sterling Crane USA supports the loading of oversized cargo into the Antonov An-124, one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft. Designed to carry up to 150 tons, the An-124 features a nose that lifts open and a unique kneeling landing gear system—making it a flying warehouse engineered for the world’s heaviest, most complex cargo missions.

Each year on August 19, National Aviation Day honors the achievements and innovation within the aviation and aerospace industries—sectors that continue to reach new heights in both technology and scale. As aerospace manufacturers and maintenance operations push boundaries, the need for heavy-lifting precision has never been greater.

From transporting and positioning massive aircraft components to lifting delicate, high-value assemblies during construction and maintenance, cranes are central to aviation’s continued progress.

To the moon

With the global aerospace market expected to reach over $1.047 trillion by 2026 (Aerospace & Defense Global Market Report 2022), the demand for reliable and specialized lifting solutions is growing in step. The crane industry is also seeing strong growth, particularly in transportation, construction, and aerospace sectors. As these industries take on larger, more complex projects, demand for advanced, mobile lifting solutions is rising.

LTM 1060-3.1 in action, precisely placing rotor blades onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project is paving the way for next-generation hybrid-electric aircraft by flight-testing megawatt-class propulsion systems on modified regional aircraft like the Saab 340B and Dash 7.

As these groundbreaking technologies move from concept to real-world implementation, ground support becomes increasingly complex, requiring precision handling of high-voltage components and specialized engines. Crane services provide safe, controlled lifting and installation of experimental propulsion systems, test equipment and aircraft assemblies, helping to ensure these high-stakes projects can proceed efficiently and safely on the ground, just as they aim to in the air.

This day also marks a chance to share the importance of lift planning near aircraft, proper permitting for airside access, and maintaining strict safety standards around high-value equipment.